Plectrum as a lid in beverage cans

Abstract

The invention relates to a plectrum ( 1 ) comprising a flat member ( 2 ) that is generally sector-shaped form a top view and has an inner face ( 3 ) and an outer face ( 4 ) from a top view, the outer face ( 4 ) having a larger peripheral size than the inner face ( 3 ). The invention is characterized in that the flat member ( 2 ) is a single piece, a slot ( 5 ) which extends into an opening ( 6 ) for a rotary bearing is provided on the inner face ( 3 ), and the flat member ( 2 ) simultaneously forms a rotatable protective clip-on-part for open beverage cans ( 8 ) or the like.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A plectrum comprising a flat member generally in the shape of a sector in top view, the flat member having an inner face as well as an outer face with a larger peripheral extent than the inner face in top view,
 wherein a slotted opening is provided on the inner face, said slotted opening leading into a pivot bearing opening, 
 wherein the outer face and the inner face of the flat member are connected via first and second lateral edges, the first and second lateral edges having respective first tapering regions tapering inwards towards said slotted opening, 
 wherein the plectrum comprises a first leg and a second leg, said slotted opening and said pivot bearing opening being disposed between the first leg and the second leg, 
 wherein the flat member simultaneously forms a pluggable rotatable protective cover part for open beverage cans or the like, and 
 wherein the flat member corresponds in top view to a generally circular sector with a sector angle between 60° and 90°, the sector angle being measured between the first tapering region of the first lateral edge and the first tapering region of the second lateral edge. 
 
     
     
       2. The plectrum as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the outer face of the flat member is in the shape of a circular arc in top view. 
     
     
       3. The plectrum as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the pivot bearing opening comprises a border which is approximately semi-circular in shape. 
     
     
       4. The plectrum as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the slotted opening leads into the pivot bearing opening via a constriction in order to snap-fit it to a beverage can. 
     
     
       5. The plectrum as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the slotted opening comprises lateral borders which run from the pivot bearing opening to the border of the inner face of the flat member in diverging or parallel lines. 
     
     
       6. The plectrum as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein following the first tapering regions the first and second lateral edges are angled outwards in the region of the pivot bearing opening. 
     
     
       7. The plectrum as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the flat member is a member formed from two materials with different hardnesses. 
     
     
       8. The plectrum as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein a dividing line is provided between the two materials which runs from the first lateral edge to the outer face at an inclination. 
     
     
       9. The plectrum as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the flat member comprises at least two regions of the member with different thicknesses. 
     
     
       10. The plectrum as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the flat member is formed as an injection molded part.